My family has a 6 hour layover in Zurich and we are hoping to take the train to Zurich for a couple of hours. Is this possible, especially considering the covid restrictions (for example, we will continue our flight to Portugal; would us leaving the airport reset the validity of our covid test?). Has anyone had any recent experience with a short trip into Zurich while they waited for their flight and, if so, how did it go? Any suggestions?
Thanks!
You’re in luck because Switzerland is dropping ALL Covid restrictions ( proof of vaccination, testing requirements, etc. ) on May 2.
And the train from Zurich’s airport directly to the Altstadt ( downtown) takes less than 15 minutes.
If Portugal still requires a negative Covid test for you to enter, you can provide them with one done the day before you fly into Europe. The US Embassy states that Portugal requires of all passengers at least 12 years old either an EU DIGITAL VACCINATION CERTIFICATE, or a negative Antigen Test taken no more than the day prior to arrival or a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. The U.S. Embassy states that as of April 22, 2022 Portugal has not clarified whether the U.S. CDC Vaccination Card is acceptable, and so, until they do clarify this, the US Embassy advises that Americans 12 and older get a negative Covid Test before flying to Portugal.
Assuming luggage is checked through to Lisbon and you already have boarding passes, Schengen security is the only hurdle on return. A day ticket will cost 13.60 CHF per adult, which will include your return trip to the airport plus any public transportation in central Zurich while you are there. Children 6 thru 15 are half price.
That includes river boats and lake boats for at least the local area. Trains are about every 5 minutes and you can take S-Bahns or mainline IR or IC trains. Station is in the basement of the parking garage across the street. Follow the train icon.
